Overall the show programme was one of variety which included sonething of interest for all tastes. There was a good turnout of stands for the Farmers' Market. Tommy Relihan's Adare Farm Foods -- he is the son of well-known dairy farmer Ned Relihan -- has developed a flourishing business in homemade ice-cream and his ever-popular Pig on the Spit, both of which were featured at the show.

Peter Ward's Nenagh-based Country Choice served deliciously tasty and succulent Hereford Beef burgers and nearby the Cork Butter Museum demonstrated the centuries old art of home butter-making.

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After 15 years in the commercial life as a highly qualified chef, Gordon Shier was launching a wide range of bread and confectionery from the bakery on his home farm. Just three weeks in business, the venture already has success written all over it.

Laying

There was a score or more breeds -- traditional, native and rare -- on offer at the Poultry Bring and Buy.

In its first year at the show, the event was doing good business laying the found-ation for an increase in the home-rearing of poultry.

One of the largest selections was offered by Tom Gormley, of Athenry, who has more than 20 different breeds of poultry. Among the rare breeds most popular among his customers are the French Le Bresse and the Sasso, as well as the Nied Rien, which as the name suggests comes from Germany.

Young farmers divided their interest between the general run of farm entries and the Macra na Feirme Farm Tasks Challenge. The only female contestant was Anna Holland, of Clarina, who is Limerick Macra secretary.